A surgical procedure of this kind is a rare feat in Oman, as majority of centres skilled in this discipline perform this technique as open surgeries involving a longer recovery period.

“OATS is not recommended for everyone but is typically used for younger patients under 50 years with minimal cartilage damage and available healthy cartilage for transfer. A successful OATS surgery will enable the bone and cartilage to grow into the damaged area of the knee, successfully resolving the patient’s knee pain. OATS is considered to be the gold standard in orthopaedic surgery for successful cartilage repair,” said Dr Nair.

The patient was a 22 year old male who approached Dr Nair with continuing pain in his left knee, the aftermath of a fall while playing football three months ago.